Decreased survival in patients with co-existent rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis

The aim was to compare the 5 yr survival in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) alone, bronchiectasis (Br) alone and RA plus Br (RA-Br). A case-control study was carried out in which 32 patients with RA-Br were matched for age (within 5 yr), sex and (where possible) disease duration with 32 patients with RA alone. An additional comparison group of 31 unselected patients with Br was chosen. All patients were followed for 5 yr. Patients with RA-Br were 7.3 times more likely to die than the general population, 5.0 times more likely than the RA group and 2.4 times more likely than the Br group. An increased risk of death within the RA-Br group was associated with a history of smoking, more severe RA and steroid usage. The co-existence of RA and Br is associated with a poor 5 yr survival.      

Comparison of strength and failure mode of seven implant systems: An in vitro test

Statement of problem. The mechanical weakness of implant systems is a problem in the clinical situation.Purpose. This study experimentally evaluated how joint design influences the strength and failure mode of dental implant systems.Material and methods. The strength tests focused on the systems as a whole. Seven implant systems with different joint design were evaluated.Results. Strength and failure mode varied significantly between the implant systems and deep joints, in contrast to shallow joints, favored resistance to bending moments. The mean failure force ranged between 138 to 693 Newtons for the various implant systems.Conclusion. In construction of implant systems, joint depth should be taken into consideration. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:582-91.)